The ceremony was held at Chichester Festival Theatre and nearly 1,000 students paraded across the stage over two days to collect their accolades. They formally received their degrees, diplomas and doctorates from university vice-chancellor Dr Robin Baker and Richard Bunker, chairman of the board of governors.
The university also recognised the talents of five staff at the ceremony. Writer Simon Brett, Carlos Dizy, who was heavily involved in environmental education, and David Hopkinson, who had a big impact on the education and arts in the area, received honorary masters of art degrees. Sports scientist professor Jay Coakley and publisher Dr John Jarvis were recognised with honorary fellowships.
![David Edward Burley, who graduated after suffering two strokes, celebrates with a glass of wine](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjgyZGRiNWQ5LTQ1NWUtNGIzZi05NzU0LWFkNzk4ZTk2NjNlNDo1MGViM2FhZS0xMWFmLTQ2NDQtYWY1Zi01OWVhODYyZWY4NmI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. Chichester graduation day October 2007
David Edward Burley, who graduated after suffering two strokes, celebrates with a glass of wine Photo: Louise Adams C072387-6
![Tickled pink, Siobhon Carrigan and daughter Mia Parry](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmJjOTcyMzVmLTAxMDUtNDU5Yi04YWNiLTg5NmYwZjFjODdhOTo0MzQ5MjUyNS1jZWY1LTRiYzAtODM4Mi03MjQ5MTY3M2I0OGY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. Chichester graduation day October 2007
Tickled pink, Siobhon Carrigan and daughter Mia Parry Photo: Louise Adams C072392-7
![Proud moment for Chichester siblings Charlotte and Toby Bennett, whose mum Lesley received a foundation degree in local government management](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjQ4OGI0MjcxLTNjYTYtNDhhNy1iMmE3LWJhYzBhYTI4NmYxMjpkODRjMjE3OC0zNmYyLTQ5YTQtYmI2MS0wOGQwMTZmNGQ3ZTE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
7. Chichester graduation day October 2007
Proud moment for Chichester siblings Charlotte and Toby Bennett, whose mum Lesley received a foundation degree in local government management Photo: Louise Adams C072387-2
![Cherishing the moment, Christine Staines hugs her son David, a graduate in sports and exercise science](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjEzN2FkNjAxLTI2OGYtNGIzNC1hZDQ1LWU0N2JkM2Q1ZWYyZDo1ODQyZjIwZS0yYzdlLTQ2MGYtOTZkMi0zMzc5MDAxNWNlNGM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
8. Chichester graduation day October 2007
Cherishing the moment, Christine Staines hugs her son David, a graduate in sports and exercise science Photo: Louise Adams C072392-8